Depressing Chase Hampton quote at least proves Yankees prospect's on the right path

Something's been going on with Yankees top pitching prospect Chase Hampton for quite a while. And while that "something" has appeared to migrate up and down his pitching arm, eventually messing with his delivery and timing, there's finally a long-term resolution in place.

"Tommy John" is only a terrifying term these days because of the absence it creates. The surgery itself has become so commonplace that pitchers often come back stronger after undergoing the procedure. It's not uncommon to hear fans speak plainly about pitchers "getting the surgery out of the way" so they can compete unfettered in their peak post-development years. While having Tommy John once is no guarantee it will never happen again, it does minimize the chances.

Hearing a fan make such a blithe comment about a major surgery is one thing. Hearing the actual pitcher hint at similar thoughts? Brutal, but likely an accurate reflection of how it feels for many hurlers to get the relief of an actual diagnosis.

Hampton made just seven shortened starts in 2024 after recovering from something that was erroneously called a shoulder injury, then clarified to a dinged-up elbow. His season ended abruptly after a hamstring strain, likely from changing his mechanics to account for the nagging injury. While he initially wanted fans to believe that he was a full go entering 2025 and "ready to rock," it became clear after the surgery announcement that his elbow had been repeatedly strained for the duration of the past year, and he just wanted it to stop.

Yankees pitching prospect Chase Hampton makes devastating statement about being at peace with surgery

“Honestly, I was kind of hoping it was torn, because I was dealing with it for a while,” Hampton told MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. “I’ve had three partial tears in [the ulnar collateral ligament], so it was time to have it. Before I even found out, I was kind of at peace with it. I was feeling good about it.”

In case you're keeping track, the latest report of UCL damage appeared only about two weeks after prospect expert Keith Law erroneously reported that Hampton had already undergone surgery. Clearly, all parties felt this was inevitable.

And though Hampton will miss the 2025 campaign and a chunk of 2026, he'll be returning as a 24-year-old, finally unburdened (hopefully) by something nagging at his moneymaker. That security will be valuable and well-earned after a lengthy rehab.

“It’s frustrating that I don’t get to play this year, but honestly, I’m in a good spot,” Hampton continued later in the interview. “I’m kind of happy about it because it’s gotten fixed. I have a full year to rehab it, get stronger, get better and come back swinging next year.”